University Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Dunster and Winthrop streets in the heart of Harvard Square, Cambridge. We are one block east of JFK Street and one block south of Mount Auburn Street. On Winthrop Street, we are between two familiar landmarks: Harvard’s Malkin Athletic Center and Pinocchio’s Pizza.

Parking

University Lutheran does not have a parking lot, but there are several options for free or affordable parking near the church on Sunday mornings.

Parking in the Alley behind the Church

There are a few parking spaces in the alley behind the church. These are reserved for staff.

Parking on Winthrop Street

The owner of the parking spaces in front of the church on Winthrop Street has made them available to parishioners until 2 p.m. on Sundays. On all other days, and any time past 2 p.m. on Sunday, you will almost certainly be towed.

On-Street Parking

You may be able to find a parking space on one of the side streets near the church—especially if you arrive early. For example, parking is available on Dunster Street between Winthrop and Mount Auburn Streets.

Note that, starting in June 2017, Dunster Street between South and Winthrop Streets (behind the church) has become a two-way street, and no parking is allowed. This is due to the construction Harvard is doing in the area.

Parking Garages

Parishioners and visitors may use one of 20 free parking spaces at the Harvard Square Parking Garage (entrance at 20 Eliot Street). BUT, you must bring your ticket to the church and stamp it at the door (the stamp is on the table by the front door) AND you must exit the parking no later than 1 p.m., or you will be charged the regular parking fee.

We also have an arrangement with the University Place Garage at 124 Mount Auburn Street, across from the Harvard Square post office: $7 for the entire day on Sunday. The entrance to the garage is on University Road, opposite another, unrelated garage located across the street. Only University Place Garage has the special rate. To receive the discounted rate, you must stamp your ticket with the University Place Garage stamp in the narthex (entryway), just outside the door to the church office.

Parking Lots

The metered lot underneath the Harvard Square Hotel (corner of Mt. Auburn and Eliot streets, across from the Charles Hotel) is free on Sundays, though often full. The lot has two aisles. Enter one from Bennett Street (which runs east-west between Eliot and University Rd.) and exit to Mt. Auburn; the other aisle runs in the opposite direction. Both streets are two-way at this point.

Reaching Us by Subway or Bus

UniLu is very easy to reach by public transportation. The church is two-and-a-half blocks from the Harvard Square T station (at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and JFK Street). Take any Red Line train to reach us; they run every 5-10 minutes throughout the day. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) website has a subway map and Red Line schedule.

UniLu is also convenient to numerous MBTA bus lines. Visit the MBTA Bus Page for schedules and maps:

1 – from Boston via Massachusetts Avenue

66 – from Brookline Village and Allston

69 – from Lechmere Square via Cambridge Street

71 – from Watertown Square via Mt. Auburn Street

72 – from North Cambridge via Huron Ave

73 – from Waverly Square via Trapelo Road

74 and 75 – from Belmont Center via Concord Ave.

77 – from Arlington Heights via Massachusetts Ave.

78 – from Arlmont Village

86 – between Sullivan Square in Somerville and Cleveland Circle in Brookline

96 – from Medford Square

Please check the bus schedules carefully, since some are limited, particularly on Sunday mornings.